A British pantomime (or “panto”) is a traditional form of theatrical entertainment that combines slapstick comedy, music, and a bit of magic, often aimed at families. Panto performances are usually staged during the Christmas season, but they can take place any time of year. They are fun, lively, and often involve audience participation, with a lot of exaggerated acting, humorous jokes, and songs.
Overall, the British pantomime is a joyous, riotous, and highly interactive theatrical tradition that combines humor, music, and a lot of heart, making it beloved by all ages!
Audience Participation: One of the hallmark features of pantos is audience interaction. Audiences are encouraged to shout out catchphrases like “He’s behind you!” or “Oh yes, it is!” The actors often break the fourth wall and directly engage with the crowd.
Exaggerated Comedy: The humor in a panto is broad and slapstick. Physical comedy, wordplay, and puns are used to get the laughs.
Songs and Dance: Pantomimes often feature popular songs, dances, and musical numbers that are familiar to the audience.
Principal Boy: This character is often portrayed by a young woman, though traditionally it was a young man. The Principal Boy is typically the hero of the story, brave and handsome (or beautiful). She or he usually wears breeches and a hat, embodying a dashing and adventurous personality. In classic pantos like Cinderella, this would be the prince.
Dame: The Dame is a comedic, larger-than-life character usually played by a man in drag. The Dame is often portrayed as a motherly or matronly figure, but with exaggerated, humorous traits. She will often wear flamboyant, outlandish costumes, and her interaction with the audience and other characters creates much of the humor. In Aladdin, for example, Widow Twankey is the Dame.
Villain: The Villain is the antagonist who is often evil, over-the-top, and completely unsympathetic. They are the ones causing trouble for the hero and heroine. The Villain is also the character most likely to be booed by the audience. In Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Evil Queen is the Villain.
Heroine: The Heroine is typically a kind, virtuous, and beautiful character who finds themselves in trouble. Often, the Heroine is portrayed as a princess, a common trope in many pantomimes. She is usually involved in a romantic storyline with the Principal Boy. In Cinderella, the title character is the Heroine.
Fairy or Good Character: The Fairy (or sometimes a wizard or other magical figure) is the good and often magical character who helps the hero and heroine out of tricky situations. The Fairy usually has a wand and can use magic to turn the tables on the Villain. A Fairy Godmother, like in Cinderella, is a classic example.
Comedy Sidekick: This character often provides comic relief and works alongside the Principal Boy or the Dame. The sidekick is usually a little bit silly, full of antics, and provides plenty of physical comedy and humor. In Jack and the Beanstalk, this would be characters like the cowherd or the character playing Jack’s friend.
The Chorus: A group of singers or dancers who help to fill out the cast and add to the overall spectacle. They often participate in musical numbers, dances, and interact with the other characters during key moments of the show.
The plot usually revolves around a classic “good vs. evil” story, with the good characters trying to overcome the villain’s evil plans.
The storyline often involves magical transformations, mistaken identities, and, of course, a happy ending.
The audience is encouraged to laugh at the jokes, cheer for the heroes, and boo at the villains.
